Skip to main content

Sending food items to loved ones and friends can be a thoughtful and well-received gesture, providing the goods arrive in their best condition and are still edible when the recipient opens them. So, how can you ensure your gift remains in top condition for when the delivery arrives at their door? We take a look at some of the methods used to help preserve the perishables, so your family and friends get the tasty treat they deserve!

Fast Shipping

Although fast shipping or next day delivery can often be more expensive than the alternatives, it does ensure that the items you are sending are in transit for the shortest amount of time possible. It’s important to balance the cost of the delivery and the cost of the item you are sending. When the delivery of the item costs more than the perishable itself, it may be time to consider another option.

When Should You Send?

Many of us are aware that things usually take a lot longer to complete at the weekend. With businesses closed and fewer people working, deliveries that are processed can often end up sitting in a warehouse throughout Saturday and Sunday. Try to avoid this by sending your package as early in the week as possible, as an advisory, Monday or latest, Tuesday to ensure the goods reach their destination in the best condition.

Let the Recipient Know When to Expect it

If the person you are gifting the item to knows roughly when to expect the item, they can then make provisions to ensure it gets placed in the fridge or freezer as soon as possible. A neighbour and friend may be able to collect the item and store it if they are not home around the time it is being delivered, but if they are aware, they can make the necessary previsions.

Use a Box

Although the perishables are likely to come in their own packaging, it is a good idea to double-up. Use the smallest box that will fix the items in and wrap the item in either plastic foam or bubble wrap. By doing so, you are protecting the item from being damaged on route. It is also much less likely to move around within the box if it is protected by plastic foam or bubble wrap. New boxes are usually much more beneficial than an old, as a cardboard box will weaken with each use.

Wrap Foods in Shrink Wrap

Use a high standard film that is suitable for food items, such as polyolefin shrink film to seal the item. This not only increases the shelf life of an item but also protects the foods from bacteria and damage.

How to Protect Glass?

If your perishable item is within a glass jar, one of your priorities when transporting it is to protect the fragile item. It is recommended that you use at least two inches of secured cushioning. Once the cushioning has been wrapped around the item, fasten it Cello tape. It may not look the best, but it is better than sending a damaged item as a gift.

What Tape Should Be Used?

There is more than one type of tape and deciding on which one to use can be difficult. A packaged item need to be of high-quality and have a durable stick as it is likely to be tested during the transit. Electrical tape, wrapping-paper tape or masking tape should be avoided as it doesn’t provide enough strength. Instead, use specifically designed packaging tape.

How to Keep Perishables Cold?

There are several methods for keeping items cold in transit, and it usually depends on how long the item will take to reach its destination. For shorter journeys, insulate the perishable by placing polystyrene foam around the item and filling the cooler with ice packs (ensure the item or packaging cannot be damaged by water before doing this). Alternatively, for longer journeys use frozen gel packs or dry ice (check with delivery service before purchasing to check whether this means of cooling is permitted).

Have you had any experience with transporting perishable goods? Let us know your tips and tricks via our social media channels!